The day after receiving her younger brother's letter, Shen Wei dismissed her attendants and spread out paper and ink in her study to compose a reply to Shen Xiuming.
In the letter, Shen Wei mentioned her recent appointment as "Imperial Concubine," assuring him that she was living well—though she casually added, "Consort Shu is with child." She knew her brother, with his boundless imagination, would interpret this as "Shen Wei, despite her high rank, still faces threats from all sides."
Finally, she gently advised him to give up on Mo Xun.
Once the letter was finished, Shen Wei set down her brush, sealed the missive, and instructed Cai Lian to have it delivered to Shen Xiuming.
The autumn air was crisp and clear. In the courtyard, the begonia leaves had begun to yellow, while rare chrysanthemums bloomed in succession. Shen Wei leaned back in her study chair, gazing at the flowers outside.
